The apostle Paul often told the early Christians to “stand firm” in their faith. Paul taught them theology and helped those early believers understand God’s new covenant through Christ. Paul also stood strongly against those who came into the first-century Christian churches trying to teach a message that was different from the apostolic truth. Wrong teaching has always been the greatest threat to the church because it keeps people from truly accepting Jesus.

To believe there are many gods in this world is to deny there is a God. If we want to care about others as we should, we need to believe what Jesus said about himself. Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life.” In the original language, those words do not give hope to people who believe in a god who is not Jesus. 

Our democratic culture rightfully allows personal freedom to believe in different gods. Our Christian culture must “stand firm” in our faith and believe the words of Christ. We should embrace the laws that provide us the freedom to choose because no one comes to the Father unless they freely choose his Son. 

Most people love the Christmas story. Only some realize it is much more than a story. Christmas is about Christ; his birth is always about his death as well. Christmas and Easter are part of the same story.

The beginning of the Christmas season is a good time to revisit the foundation of our faith. As we walk through the crowds at the mall, go to parties, and even attend worship services at church, we can know and trust that the first commandment is still our first commandment. There is no other god except our Creator God. There is no other way for people to be saved except Jesus.

Wisdom is understanding that the gift of Jesus is our treasure. Wisdom requires us to stand firm in the knowledge that Jesus is the treasure. Only Jesus is the way to heaven, the truth of God, and our gift for eternal life.